Personal

Credits

Featuring: Courtney Fulley

Filmed by: Ryan Josey

Description

Wayne tells me about his elaborate costume, a highly realistic astronaut suit. His choice wasn’t made in haste, but instead, it reflects on his career and interests. I really appreciated encountering this type of costume at Dragon Con… a rare sight.

Credits

Featuring: Wayne

Filmed by: Joseph Pereira

Description

In this video, I speak to a cosplayer that decided to dress up as one of the most repulsive creatures ever, Dr. Zoidberg. (This is a great time to be happy that the Smell-o-Vision was never invented, folks… we certainly dodged a bullet there.) But I kid, I kid – unlike his animated counterpart, this cosplayer didn’t smell of rotten garbage, or anything like that. He emulated pretty much everything else correctly, including Zoidberg’s voice, mannerisms, and as you’ll soon see… his medical knowledge as well.

Credits

Filmed by: Joseph Pereira

Description

He’s soft, he’s cuddly… but he’s probably the worst creature that you can leave with your kids. Mr. McGibblets in the flesh, ladies and gents. Matt Haskin mentions his love for all things Jon Lajoie, as well as his decision to dress up as Taco’s adorable alter-ego. Fans of the The League, this is one you’ll probably enjoy.

Credits

Featuring: Matt Haskin

Filmed by: Joseph Pereira

Description

Hey, listen! Navi’s at the Con, and she wants your attention. Well, technically, mine… since this was filmed before. You know, takes place in the past. Okay, moving on! Watch as I interview Patricia about Dragon Con, her portrayal of Link’s memorable companion from Ocarina of Time, and all things in between. Some people cringe at the reminder of Navi’s incessant reminders, but I remember a great game with an amusing mechanic – and Patricia’s out to prove that Navi can be fun as well.

Credits

Featuring: Patricia

Filmed by: Joseph Pereira

Description

Out of the wilderness, an attorney. A cosplayer swings by to tell me about the law-based game that may have started it all, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney. We dive into scenarios that happen in the story, and also touch upon some of the unique mechanics that the title brought to the table. We all know LA Noire, the more modern detective title, but it’s totally cool to hear the history. In generally, any games with detective elements tend to interest me. Add to that my totally natural and not at all extreme fascination with law, and, you know what? My wallet just opens up and the cash flies towards the developer. What’s that? The game doesn’t come with a law book instead of a regular game guide? Ugh, no! SO CLOSE to perfection!

Credits

Filmed by: Joseph Pereira

Description

Watch as I survive a close encounter with Cecil Sinclaire, notorious evil-doer and general prankster. Carla Rhodes, rock n’ roll ventriloquist takes a moment to talk about her and Cecil, while also casually mentioning that she’s promoting his demonic ways through her show, The Plight of Cecil (part of Dragon Con 2013’s puppetry track). Carla’s the first ventriloquist that I see at the Con, and after catching a glimpse of the evil residing deep within Cecil’s eyes, I don’t think I’ll forget her any time soon.

Credits

Featuring: Cecil Sinclaire and Carla Rhodes

Filmed by: Joseph Pereira

Transcript

Matt Refghi: Hello, sir. I was attracted by your sign over here – you hope that there are no assassins around –

Dave: Oh yes.

Matt: Pardon?

Dave: Oh, yes, I’m scared of the assassins… very scared.

Matt: So yesterday I saw some Splinter Cell guys hanging around, you know, with the night vision and all that, I was a little concerned – (emphasizing) I was a little concerned when I saw this, ’cause I was like “yea… there’s some people around that might hurt you.”

Dave: There’s many people around that might hurt me, but when you’re British you get quite used to that happening.

Matt: (laughs) Okay, and this costume: where’s it from, specifically?

Dave: Okay, specifically, it’s a British red coat officer’s uniform, from the 30th ??? regiment. Somewhat modded. And the game in question, I’m sure everyone knows, is Assassin’s Creed 3 where as a red coat in that game, once the assassins are around, you’ve got a life expectancy of micro-seconds.

Matt: Well, that’s understandable, it’s understandable, and I like that the red kind of matches with the Star Trek. I’m sure there’s more historical significance there –

Dave: Yes.

Matt: … but the red shirt, yeah, you’re in trouble, my friend.

Dave: Oh, yes.

Matt: Across multiple universes. But how do you personally feel about Assassin’s Creed, the series?

Dave: I have only really played Assassin’s Creed 3, but I think it’s wonderful, and I’m really ??? so I’m going to get the other games when I get back from the UK, because they’re cheap now apart from anything else.

Matt: So you are from the UK, yourself?

Dave: Yes, I’m actually from the UK and I flew in just for Dragon Con and to see some friends, and it’s amazing.

Matt: Alright, and it’s your first time?

Dave: Yes, Dragon Con virgin.

Matt: Are you (laughs), that’s fine. Are you… have you been bitten by the bug? (Uses right hand to simulate a bug biting his left arm.)

Dave: Oh, yeah, I’m back next year. I’ll going to sell a kidney if I have to get here.

Matt: Sell a kidney, okay well, that might be worth it, might be worth it.

Dave: Yeah…. I don’t use them for much anyway.

Matt: Right… and so I remember, you know, there’s a lot of pride in Montreal with Ubisoft having created this because they’re really a well-renowned studio.

Dave looks to his right, and suddenly runs, terrified. He hands Matt the microphone while doing so. Matt looks stunned as two assassins pass by, clearly the ones that scared Dave off.

Matt: (To the assassins) Okay, guys, well, you know, you just scared off my interview.

Brent: Sorry about that.

Jonathan shrugs slightly, but in manner that suggests he was just doing his job – not very apologetic.

Matt: But it’s alright, so I guess you’re fulfilling your role here. So how do you guys feel about the Assassin’s Creed franchise?

Brent: We feel pretty good about it.

Matt: Enough to dress up certainly.

Brent: Yes, certainly.

Jonathan: Huge fan.

Brent: Played all the games.

Matt: I’ve played the first one, really enjoyed it, I’ve also… but that was it.

Brent: Yeah, they get better from there.

Matt: They get better?

Brent: Yeah.

Matt: Excellent.

Brent: 2 is probably my favorite, and Brotherhood, those are two are probably my favorite ones. But yeah, they’re all really fun to play.

Matt: I like the concept of Brotherhood, the whole thing about having assassins that work for you.

Brent: Yeah.

Matt: So your names, by the way.

Brent: I’m Brent.

Jonathan: … and I’m Jonathan.

Matt: Okay, cool. So I like the costumes, and I’m also wondering: you’re probably seeing other assassin’s creed brothers of yours around, right?

Brent: This is true, we have been.

Matt: Have you been huddling around in groups trying to be stealthy?

Brent: Um, yeah, I mean…

Jonathan: Gotta stay sneaky.

Brent: … we have the hoods, and apparently that just works, so, as long as we have them up, it’s fine.

Matt: If there’s one place where you can blend in to a, you know, crowd, I think it’s here. I think there’s a lot of variety.

Jonathan: That’s true, so many people… it’s difficulty to pinpoint targets in crowds.

Matt: Well, you get to choose, you know. You have an abundance, you can just go to town.

Brent: Exactly. Like that guy, we had to get that guy. (Gesturing to direction Dave fled.)

Matt: How long have you been stalking him?

Brent: For a while, we’ve seen him off and on. He’s a big target priority, so, you know.

Jonathan: Let’s be honest, the sign kind of gives him away.

Matt: Yea, it makes him a juicy target, right?

Brent: Oh, yeah.

Matt: Alright, quite cool, guys. I hope you enjoy the Con.

Brent: You too.

Matt: That’s it. Thank you.

Brent: Alright, thank you.

Matt: And try not to kill him, leave him alone.

Brent: Might just give him a punishment.

Jonathan: Can’t make any promises.

Matt: Can’t make any promises.

Jonathan: Can’t make any promises.

Matt: That’s alright. You’re assassins, but don’t you have like a code? Don’t assassins have a code?

Jonathan: We do.

Matt: But if an assassin has a code to not assassinate, there’s a problem.

Jonathan: Exactly.

Brent: That’s true… I mean, it is our job, it’s what we have to do.

Jonathan: Templars take priority.

Matt: Alright.

Brent: We only kill bad people, or at who we consider bad people, so there’s that.

Jonathan: Alright, well, (referring to Dave) he’s pure evil, so go ahead.

Jonathan: Indeed.

Brent: Fun talk.

Matt: Thanks, guys.

Jonathan: Take care, man.

Scene cuts to Matt standing next to Dave, who looks slightly uneasy.

Matt: Dave, I’m really happy to see you, because I just… they just chased you off, and I’m sorry… but I interviewed them.

Dave: Yea, I think I got away with it, though, I think I’ve lost them, and I don’t think they’re coming back.

Matt: Okay, well that’s what –

Brent and Jonathan enter the frame separately, from the left and rides sides, respectively. They are approaching Dave rapidly, and he’s starting to be become aware of their presence. Jonathan stabs Dave in the back before Brent is able to do so himself. Brent is limping slightly and supporting his back as if it was in pain.

Matt: (Looking down at Dave‘s body) Oh, no… what…

Brent shrugs while looking at Jonathan, who also shrugs but in more of a “what? that’s how it’s done” type way. Jonathan leaves the scene, and is then followed by Brent, who took a moment to shrug in disappointment once more before leaving.

Matt places the microphone on the ground, and runs away from the scene, into the crowd.

An female thief in an Assassin’s Creed costume calmly walks in from the left, crouches next to Dave‘s corpse, and starts searching Dave‘s body. She feel around to see if he has anything in his pockets, and finally decides to steal his Con badge, which is attached to his belt. She stands up, satisfied, and calmly walks off to the right.

Credits

Featuring: Dave, Brent, and Jonathan.

Filmed by: Joseph Pereira

Transcription

Matt Refghi: Hi everyone, I’m here with the Brady Bunch… or part of the Brady Bunch, it would appear.

Carol: The parents… and our main support Alice.

Matt Refghi: They have a very nice sign, I really want to point out. They’re gonna trade their kids for beer, essentially.

Mike: Yes.

Matt Refghi: And it seems they’ve already traded one.

Mike: We have. We traded one, yes. Was that Jan?

Carol: No no no, it was Greg, because he’s 18, he’s ready to move on.

Matt Refghi: Okay, so when it comes to trading… so he was 18 – okay, I see – he was the most appropriate one to trade, because he’s already almost out.

Mike: Correct, correct.

Matt Refghi: Would you be interested in getting, like, Vodka, for a certain child?

Alice: I would take Vodka.

Matt Refghi: Right – and what’s the criteria for trading children?

Mike: Alice does all the work, so she should really decide.

Carol: Alice gets all of the alchohol, because honestly I kinda just go out and go to PTA stuff and –

Alice: He goes to work, she goes to PTA, but I’m the one doing all the work around here, and I’m the one who gets to say what we trade for, so yes, I would accept Vodka.

Matt Refghi: Okay, but we’re getting into a little bit of a grey zone, we’re talking about trading children.

Carol: Yes.

Matt Refghi: But it’s all in good fun.

Carol: It’s all in good fun. We really do not have six children, so it’s probably okay.

Matt Refghi: (points to sign) You have five.

Carol: We have five, we have five.

Matt Refghi: Right now, right now. You’re working on that… so that’s great. Is this your first Dragon Con?

Carol: No, this would be our fourth Dragon Con.

Matt Refghi: That’s great, same here.

Mike: Alright, fantastic.

Matt Refghi: And where are you from?

Carol: We’re from Atlanta. Alice…

Mike: We live in Atlanta.

Alice: I’m from Minneapolis, so I come and visit them, and we hang out and we come to Dragon Con every couple years.

Matt Refghi: Is it the first time you dress up together?

Carol: No, no. Last year we were nuns, but we were all different themes – I was a zombie nun, he was a Jedi nun, and she was an actual holy nun.

Matt Refghi: (enumerating with fingers, thoughtful) Jedi, holy, zombie. How does the holy live with the zombie? That’s kind of like… opposites.

Carol: Never, no, I ate her brains.

Mike: (laughs)

Matt Refghi: Oh, okay. But then is she (laughs) is she still a holy – okay, is that why the costume won’t be used again?

Mike: Yeah, yeah.

Carol: Yeah, it’s done.

Matt Refghi: That’s too bad, but it had it’s run.

Alice: It had its run, you know, it was a good time – but you can’t do the same thing every year.

Carol: Yesterday, actually, my husband and I were nominated – we had a card to be for the wall of fame or whatever, we were Cleopatra yesterday, so the Dragon Con staff nominated us and had our picture taken.

Matt Refghi: Congratulations!

Mike: Yes, we’re so excited.

Matt Refghi: Good job.

Carol: So… lots of Dragon Con.

Matt Refghi: Yeah… do you foresee an end to your attendance? I doubt it.

Mike: (convinced) No… no… no.

Carol: Not at this point, unless they move it to the convention centre, at which point that might do it for me – it needs to stay in the hotels. I’m very solid about that point.

Matt Refghi: Yea, I like it too – I like just wandering around. We come from up north, we’re from Canada.

Carol: Okay.

Matt Refghi: But we still fly down every year, so (laughs), it’s cool. Um, one more question regarding the costumes you had before: between the zombie and the Jedi, who would win? Because that’s the two remaining contenders.

Mike: (recognizing the theoretical duel for its natural awesomeness) Ooooooo

Alice: I think the Jedi would win.

Matt Refghi: I would hope so, otherwise what type of a Jedi are we talking about?

Mike: (laughs)

Alice: Because he’s quick and agile, and he has a weapon.

Matt Refghi: And he has… exactly.

Carol: Zombies aren’t very smart, they just say brains and try to eat them. He would cut my head off before I could get at him, so I think he would, yeah.

Matt Refghi: Okay, but it depends… is it a 28 days later zombie, or a Romero zombie? Like, fast or slow?

Carol: No, it’s more like a 28 days later zombie.

Matt Refghi: Okay, okay… so it’s a fair fight, then, but the Jedi should win if he’s competent.

Carol: Jedi should win. But in this battle, I’m Mrs. Brady…

Matt Refghi: You would naturally win.

Carol: I would win over him…

Mike: No, no.

Carol: …but Alice wins over all of us.

Matt Refghi: (Suddenly understanding) Ooooooh.

Mike: (laughs)

Carol: And by the way, if anyone wants to trade a kid, Jan is next on the list because she whines all of the time, are we in agreement on that?

Alice: Absolutely, I’m tired of the Marcia, Marcia, Marcia business.

Carol: It’s always about whining about Marcia, so we’re ready to get rid of Jan, so if anyone wants to give us a beer, we will give you Jan.

Matt Refghi: Maybe half a beer for Jan?

Alice: I would take half a beer for Jan, yes I would.

Matt Refghi: That’s bargaining.

Alice: At this point, late in the day, we need to work on this.

Matt Refghi: So, half a beer. (To camera) You know where to get to if you want a child. (To guests) Excellent, it’s great meeting you. Um, I hope you have a great con!

Mike: Great con already.

Matt Refghi: Thanks for interviewing.

Credits

Filmed by: Joseph Pereira

Description

Though I knew very little of the famous Doctor, actor/writer John Reid Adams happily helped me get up to speed. Though John did most of the talking in this, I really felt that the video could have gone on for much longer, and I would have continued to be just as interested. Since this was filmed, I started watching the 2005 version of Doctor Who, and I absolutely love the concept. So, just like I did, if you want an introduction to the Doctor, try starting here.

Transcription

Matt Refghi: So, hello, sir.

John Reid Adams: Hello, how’s it going?

Matt: I saw you here, and I wanted to mention – you look like you’re from the Doctor Who universe.

John: Oh, very much so. Fifty years, I’d say it’s a safe bet.

Matt: Fifty years. (laughs) And I wanted to know, because I’m not familiar with Doctor Who, but I know a lot of people love it. A lot my friends tells me that it’s great.

John: Indeed.

Matt: I’ve seen a scarf around that people reference as Doctor Who.

John: Yes, well that’s like a badge of honor for a lot of people, years ago, when the fourth Doctor in the 1970s, when people were like “oh, that’s the bloke with the scarf, innit?”

Matt: Cool, so I like references like that. And I kind of wanted to know, alright, people love this, there’s a lot of references to the show, and I was curious about that. And I wanted to know… when it comes to a series like Doctor Who, where do we start? Because I know there’s a lot of history.

John: Well, for a lot of people, especially in the case of Americans, I feel it’s personally best to start with the new series with Christopher Eccleston, and move forward from there. Like you do with other television series, and once you do become up to speed on that, then I say, you know, jump back and start watching the classic series, but don’t, you’re not required to have to start at the beginning, and move forward. There are actually wonderful stories from different eras you start with, because, one thing I’m discovering is with modern audiences nowadays, we, you know, we love production value, we love special effects, but the thing is the series back then, like most television series back then, were not famed for their elaborate special effects. We watched Star Trek, the old Star Trek, and we could see the seam on the mustache! That’s not working! That’s not working there, so you really have to cash in on the story and the acting, especially with Doctor  Who being from England – they invited acting! They invited good writing, so that’s kind of what kept the show going, so the story telling is the main thing that kept that show running for so long, and that’s why it’s still as popular as it is, you know, for fifty odd years.

Matt: Great, great. I wanted to, as you discussing this, mentioning this, you said the special effects…  it reminds me of Red Dwarf. Because Red Dwarf also British, special effects… not the best, especially at the start, especially, but there’s still a charm to that.

John: It’s… and a lot of it has to do with the characters. You love the characters, and the writing, and see that’s all you need – frankly, in the end, anything, that’s all you need. After all, you watch Evil Dead 2, the special effects are pretty rubbish, but you know you watch it because it’s bloody hilarious.

Credits

Featuring: John Reid Adam

Filmed by: Joseph Pereira